Stories

A crazy take on the accounting talent pipeline crisis

Published on22 April 2026

The accounting talent pipeline has become one of the most discussed challenges in the profession. But as firms rethink growth and capacity, a deeper question is emerging.

For years, the narrative has focused on a shortage of talent. But what if the issue is not just supply, but how firms are structured to use it?

Recently, Drew Carrick shared a perspective in Accounting Today that challenges the conventional thinking. Instead of focusing solely on supply, he explores whether capacity constraints, operating models, and inefficiencies are playing an equally important role.

Read Drew Carrick’s full perspective on the accounting talent pipeline crisis.

A crazy take on the talent pipeline crisis

A few ideas that stand out:

• Capacity is often constrained by structure, not headcount
• Firms may be underutilizing existing talent
• Operating model decisions directly impact scalability and growth

As firms navigate SQMS and QC 1000, these questions become even more relevant. Quality management, monitoring, and talent are no longer separate conversations, they are tightly connected.

See how CPAClub helps firms rethink capacity, quality, and operating models.

Accounting Firm Solutions

About CPAClub

CPAClub helps firms move forward. Through our award-winning subscription model, firms gain flexible access to experienced accounting and advisory professionals and technology applications that help expand capacity, strengthen audit quality, navigate regulatory change, support modern professional development, and drive transformation.

Founded and led by one of Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting and CPA Practice Advisor’s 20 Under 40 Top Influencers, CPAClub has been recognized as the CalCPA Firm of the Year and a Top New Product by Accounting Today. Learn more at cpaclub.cpa.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Subscribe to receive the latest thought leadership posts to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy.
Share This Post

Related Articles

YouTube
The AICPA’s new System of Quality Management Standards (SQMS) No. 1 is poised to significantly reshape the landscape for CPA firms with an audit and assurance practice. With a compliance deadline of December 15, 2025, and ongoing evaluation requirements, it’s vital for firms to grasp what these changes entail. Here are five key points about...
Interviews
Chris Vanover wants to shake up how accounting solutions are offered. It’s why he started CPAClub, formerly known as AuditClub, which allows accounting firms to contract outside certified public accountants without having to go through the training process. The Irvine-based startup, founded in 2022, uses a subscription model for its accounting services aimed at top...
Stories
After the 2008 financial collapse, a Treasury Department report offered dozens of ways to improve the auditing profession. More than two decades later, and in the aftermath of the BF Borgers CPA collapse, Chris Vanover finds himself questioning whether anything has truly changed. Click here to read.

Expert audit, advisory, and regulatory support to enhance quality, increase efficiency, and strengthen compliance.

Scalable accounting, advisory, and CFO solutions to streamline operations, ensure compliance, and drive growth.

logo-calcpa
CalCPA Firm of the Year

Thank you to our passholders, crew, and allies. See why they trust us to lead the way.